Where does your energy come from?

I'm a full time student and I work part time. I usually don't go to bed until 12AM. After work I come home and I have homework to do and i even try to fit in a workout. I take b-complex supplements but that hasn't improved my energy. Are there any pills or shakes that I can take to give me a boost. I am in desperate need of energy. I was hearing how hydroxycut gives you a lot of energy
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Replies

  • bdamaster60
    bdamaster60 Posts: 595 Member
    Eat food.

    Could try a pre-workout supplement.
  • I eat a lot and I'm still tired
  • bdamaster60
    bdamaster60 Posts: 595 Member
    What do you mean by a lot? I mean I could eat 5000 calories in one sitting which is not a lot to me. Are the foods that you are eating causing you to be tired? High fatty, processed foods will lead to an insulin spike and crash and makes you feel tired afterwoods.
  • stfuriada
    stfuriada Posts: 445 Member
    Caffeine.

    Or maybe you can take one of those power nap things before you work out or before you do homework.
  • Caffeine.

    Or maybe you can take one of those power nap things before you work out or before you do homework.

    I drink so much coffee and tea and it still doesn't do anything. I have no time for a nap, if I do take I nap I won't be getting back up
  • I'm a full time student too. Last semester I noticed I had severe fatigue despite eating enough and sleeping enough. I went to the doctor and found out that I had an iron and vitamin D deficiency. I'm on some vitamins now and have my energy back. If you are getting enough sleep and eating pretty good you might want to consider a visit to the doctor.
  • AZKristi
    AZKristi Posts: 1,801 Member
    Hydroxycut probably does give you energy (so would methamphetamines). That doesn't mean its a good decision to start using either. It sounds to me like you need sleep. I know you are short on time, but it is so important to get adequate rest. Lack of sleep can be very detrimental if you are trying to lose weight.

    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120917123926.htm
  • I'm a full time student too. Last semester I noticed I had severe fatigue despite eating enough and sleeping enough. I went to the doctor and found out that I had an iron and vitamin D deficiency. I'm on some vitamins now and have my energy back. If you are getting enough sleep and eating pretty good you might want to consider a visit to the doctor.

    I'm going to my doctor next week so ill explain to her my lack of energy
  • Hydroxycut probably does give you energy (so would methamphetamines). That doesn't mean its a good decision to start using either. It sounds to me like you need sleep. I know you are short on time, but it is so important to get adequate rest. Lack of sleep can be very detrimental if you are trying to lose weight.

    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120917123926.htm

    I understand that but it is seriously impossible to get a full 8hrs of sleep.
  • darrensurrey
    darrensurrey Posts: 3,942 Member
    What sort of food do you tend to eat regularly?
  • diodelcibo
    diodelcibo Posts: 2,564 Member
    I sleep the optimum amount and have the optimum nutrient intake always.
  • Sheer....determination.

    I'm a mom of two little kids and I haven't had a decent night's sleep in over 6 years. Being tired is all in your mind. You can overcome it if you DECIDE to. Hydroxycut is useless crap. Waste of money IMO. It used to have ephedra in it, which would definitely wake you up--it might also kill you but you'd be WIDE awake!! lol... Now it's just useless crap like most supplements. Try a B-complex vitamin instead. :)
  • neverstray
    neverstray Posts: 3,845 Member
    I used to be so tired all the time. Then, when I went to bed, I couldn't sleep. Finally just changed my diet to 100% whole natural foods, and I don't have the problem anymore at all. I eat zero processed foods. I used to say that, but it wasn't true. Now it is. It's made all the difference.
  • Drinking extreme amounts of coffee can actually cause tiredness .. You could also take a multivitamin. I was suffering from extreme tiredness and went to a compounding pharmacist, had my blood tested and had a multivitamin that targets everywhere I'm deficient. Since doing that I've had tons of energy!!
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    Hydroxycut probably does give you energy (so would methamphetamines). That doesn't mean its a good decision to start using either. It sounds to me like you need sleep. I know you are short on time, but it is so important to get adequate rest. Lack of sleep can be very detrimental if you are trying to lose weight.

    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120917123926.htm

    I understand that but it is seriously impossible to get a full 8hrs of sleep.

    It is not seriously impossible to get a full 8 hours of sleep... You need to manage your time better.

    I work two jobs, go to school two nights a week for 2 hours each time, do homework, fit in workouts, socialize with friends and get 8 hours of sleep each night.

    I'm sure there are lulls in your day where you could workout instead of waiting until late at night, or lulls where you could do homework. That way once you get home, then you can go straight to bed instead of staying up till all hours.
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    ATP
  • PhearlessPhreaks
    PhearlessPhreaks Posts: 890 Member
    I'm a full time student and I work part time. I usually don't go to bed until 12AM. After work I come home and I have homework to do and i even try to fit in a workout. I take b-complex supplements but that hasn't improved my energy. Are there any pills or shakes that I can take to give me a boost. I am in desperate need of energy. I was hearing how hydroxycut gives you a lot of energy

    Properly fuel yourself. I can't tell you how much better I feel, even while being pregnant (read: tired, occasional morning sickness, ligament pain) and what's more, I am so excited about the changes I'm making, because I feel my body reacting differently than it ever has before. I find myself reaching for healthy foods and wondering what combination of food I my body needs, rather than just eating.

    If you do nothing else, properly fuel your body with real food- you will notice a difference.

    (Edit) Might I add, there is a HUGE difference between eating a lot and eating properly for your body. You can take in 3000 calories of processed crap (even the supposedly healthy processed crap) or you can take in 2000 (or less!) of real, proper nutrition (vegetables, fiberous foods, fruit, protein, fats, healthy carbs) that satisfy your hunger AND make you feel better.
  • HarlCarl
    HarlCarl Posts: 266 Member
    Maybe the quality of the sleep you are getting is a problem. Ask the Dr about the sleep apnea test.
  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    Hydroxycut probably does give you energy (so would methamphetamines). That doesn't mean its a good decision to start using either. It sounds to me like you need sleep. I know you are short on time, but it is so important to get adequate rest. Lack of sleep can be very detrimental if you are trying to lose weight.

    http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/09/120917123926.htm

    I understand that but it is seriously impossible to get a full 8hrs of sleep.

    Then there is probably not a whole lot you can do...without the appropriate amount of sleep you're going to lack energy. Personally I think that's crap....if something is important then you make the time. Exercise is important to me and I make the time. Sleep is important to me and I make the time. Eating well is important to me and I make the time to cook. Time management is key...the craziness doesn't end when school does...it only gets crazier.
  • GdeVries
    GdeVries Posts: 232 Member
    My workouts give me energy! The more I workout the more I want to workout the more energy I have. It's awesome! I do try to make sure that I get all my necessary nutrients and take some supplements - multivitamine and cranberry and folic acid
  • 100mg of caffeine per day is not at all bad for you.

    It's equivalent to 2 cups of coffee.

    I would split that up in two doses for when you need it most...
  • tayagrp
    tayagrp Posts: 9 Member
    How many hours of sleep do you get a night? If you are constantly busy throughout the day and you sleep less than 6 hours a night you will be tired the next day. Try to get at least 8 hours of sleep and drink lots of water. It's tough especially for a student who works but try to prioritize your day so you can fit in that much sleep. Your body and mind will thank you!
  • TrailRunner61
    TrailRunner61 Posts: 2,505 Member
    Once I've had my morning pain pill, vitamins, breakfast and coffee, I'm good for the day. But hey, I'm in my 50's. :)
  • tayagrp
    tayagrp Posts: 9 Member
    I totally agree. You HAVE to make time. That means taking time from something else less important (i.e. posting on facebook, watching tv, watching videos on YouTube, etc.) I'm a military spouse, mom of two, FRG volunteer, and a freelance designer. It's important to task out what is important, try not to do everything in one day, stop making excuses and make the time for the top To-Dos on your list. Your top to do should be getting more sleep
  • GoddessG
    GoddessG Posts: 171 Member
    I have a prescription for phentermine. I can only take it for 12 weeks (by law) so I am taking advantage of that time.

    The first day on it, I was sitting at my kitchen table marveling at how wonderful I felt. I felt 20 years younger. I had so much energy.

    Before the pill, I could be sitting at my kitchen table, looking at the dishwasher that needed emptying. It took ENORMOUS energy to stand up and walk the two feet to the dishwasher, and then face the daunting task of putting things away. Sometimes I would even break the task up into three manageable parts. I leaned my elbow on the countertop to help support me. Talk about zero energy!

    Then, with this pill - for the first week - I had so much energy that I was outside mowing (mulching) leaves. I was raking. I was vacuuming. Emptying the dishwasher was such a simple small task that I laughed at myself. I was exercising with zest and it felt so amazing.

    I was stunned to find that exercise gives me tons more energy. Who would have thought that????? I thought that it was supposed to tire me out. Not so!

    Of course, one does get used to the feeling. The newness of it no longer stands out in such stark contrast. But it is still working. I have four weeks left on it. My doctor said that she will prescribe another drug when my 12 weeks have ended, but I don't know the details of what she is talking about.

    Meanwhile, if your blood pressure isn't too high, ask for a prescription for phentermine. It seems to work exceedingly well with my low LOW carb diet. Evidence is suggesting that it works with all diets.

    I am super sensitive to carbs (that increase insulin). I WILL fall asleep if I eat a sandwich. I can't help myself. That's why I'm on the low LOW carb diet.

    Good luck
  • albertine58
    albertine58 Posts: 267 Member
    I'm a 23 yr old female medical student and I have had the same problems, but lately a few changes have made an INCREDIBLE difference. A few weeks ago I would have seriously doubted anyone who told me these tips- but they completely work for me!

    My best tip: This might seem strange, but LESS CAFFEINE has actually given me MORE ENERGY. I switched from coffee to black tea and it's a big difference. Most black teas, like the one I drink, have 40-60 mg caffeine per bag. I've been making a big iced tea in the morning before class with 2 teabags. 120mg is almost a third of the caffeine I used to drink in the morning (a Starbucks grande brewed coffee is about 330mg).
    I have felt CALMER, more alert, less jittery, and equally energetic. Caffeine causes your body to release cortisol, the stress hormone, which tells your body to hold onto fat! Less is much better, and I don't feel less energetic! I realize now that I was completely overdoing it on the caffeine. MORE IS NOT BETTER! I see now that too much caffeine (aka my normal daily level for the past few years) stresses me out and is NOT good! I am calmer and it is easier to do homework now. Try it!

    It did not take long to see these changes- in fact, it happened by accident because I ran out of coffee and kept forgetting to buy more, but I had plenty of black tea!

    Also, HAVE A BIG HEALTHY BREAKFAST with whole grains and protein. No white bread and minimize sugar, but include fruit for natural sugar. I've been having Kashi GoLean instant oatmeal with 1/2 tbsp of almond butter and 1/2 banana, plus 1 egg+2 egg whites scrambled with 2 tbsp cheese and veggies. A HUGE breakfast, right? About 500 calories! And guess what? It gives me energy to sit in class all morning, and makes me LESS HUNGRY ALL DAY LONG. Eating a 500cal breakfast has been the most incredibly effective way to ward off that snacking urge all day long & at night. I don't feel snacky, so when I feel hunger, I know my body actually needs it.

    These 2 tips have also been making me get more sleep! My body has been naturally tired around 11pm (this never happens- I'm a night owl!). I have slept from 11pm-7am every day this week, and woken up naturally. I feel calm and in control for probably the first time ever, with plenty of time for homework and studying if you use little pieces of free time here and there. Try putting your class notes in a program like Evernote or Google Drive so you can study them on your phone any time you have a free minute! I use it on the train everyday :)

    P.S. these changes have made it easier than EVER to stick with my MFP daily calorie goal! I'm totally shocked, excited, and confident. I also recommend no fewer than 1500 cal/day. No matter what MFP tells you. Unless you are less than 5 feet tall, 1200cal will lead to muscle loss and yo-yo dieting. No good. My daily goal is 1650. Use the ONE POUND PER WEEK goal. NOT more! And you will probably lose more than 1 pound per week if you are exercising. It took me years to realize this. Do some research, look up "eat more to lose more" groups on here, etc. if you don't believe me :)

    Little things add up, whether it is healthy living changes or studying! Best of luck to you & feel free to message me anytime.
  • HypersonicFitNess
    HypersonicFitNess Posts: 1,219 Member
    I can't remember not being tired....that doesn't stop me from doing anything! I'm running 10 miles for the first time today! :bigsmile: (training for my first ever half marathon!)

    I've done the full time wife/mom, ran the house while my husband was mostly away (military), team soccer mom, full time student, my homework, help with my sons homework, part time job, full time job, gym at least once a day usually twice, volunteer at my son's school. I never had the energy...I just did it!
  • BarackMeLikeAHurricane
    BarackMeLikeAHurricane Posts: 3,400 Member
    I have a prescription for phentermine. I can only take it for 12 weeks (by law) so I am taking advantage of that time.

    The first day on it, I was sitting at my kitchen table marveling at how wonderful I felt. I felt 20 years younger. I had so much energy.

    Before the pill, I could be sitting at my kitchen table, looking at the dishwasher that needed emptying. It took ENORMOUS energy to stand up and walk the two feet to the dishwasher, and then face the daunting task of putting things away. Sometimes I would even break the task up into three manageable parts. I leaned my elbow on the countertop to help support me. Talk about zero energy!

    Then, with this pill - for the first week - I had so much energy that I was outside mowing (mulching) leaves. I was raking. I was vacuuming. Emptying the dishwasher was such a simple small task that I laughed at myself. I was exercising with zest and it felt so amazing.

    I was stunned to find that exercise gives me tons more energy. Who would have thought that????? I thought that it was supposed to tire me out. Not so!

    Of course, one does get used to the feeling. The newness of it no longer stands out in such stark contrast. But it is still working. I have four weeks left on it. My doctor said that she will prescribe another drug when my 12 weeks have ended, but I don't know the details of what she is talking about.

    Meanwhile, if your blood pressure isn't too high, ask for a prescription for phentermine. It seems to work exceedingly well with my low LOW carb diet. Evidence is suggesting that it works with all diets.

    I am super sensitive to carbs (that increase insulin). I WILL fall asleep if I eat a sandwich. I can't help myself. That's why I'm on the low LOW carb diet.

    Good luck
    Yeah, I had a lot of energy the first time I smoked crack, too.
  • darrensurrey
    darrensurrey Posts: 3,942 Member
    ATP

    :bigsmile:
  • I used to be so tired all the time. Then, when I went to bed, I couldn't sleep. Finally just changed my diet to 100% whole natural foods, and I don't have the problem anymore at all. I eat zero processed foods. I used to say that, but it wasn't true. Now it is. It's made all the difference.
    I wish I could do that but I don't have the money right now